1978 Avon Searider 5.4 Restoration. - Page 2

ollyit · 31 May 2012, 22:04

superb, I can relate a lot to this - high on fumes mainly

A1an · 31 May 2012, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ollyit

superb, I can relate a lot to this - high on fumes mainly

Between the smell of flowcoat, polyester resin and cellulose thinners its a real nose burning, eye watering smell in the workshop.

A1an · 03 June 2012, 13:14

Transom painted and new shiny bits put on.

A1an · 03 June 2012, 13:18

New transom capping, doubled up in centre for supporting the engine, this takes up the gap from setting engine height

A1an · 03 June 2012, 13:22

Engine back on, it seems a shame to put a tired looking engine on to such a sharp looking boat but we will sort that in the winter.

The console is to get another coat and itl be ready for installing.

MKII_CGT · 03 June 2012, 13:35

The build is coming along nicely. The 'period correct' motor looks the goods, beats a honda 4 stroke any day!

Are you going to put a modern engine or clean up the Merc?

HUMBER P4VWL · 03 June 2012, 13:37

Lovely, just needs a 90opti or the like on it IMHO.

A1an · 03 June 2012, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKII_CGT

The build is coming along nicely. The 'period correct' motor looks the goods, beats a honda 4 stroke any day!

Are you going to put a modern engine or clean up the Merc?

We will probably treat it to a spray job and new decals.... That's IF it stays in one piece, it's a LONG time since this engine has been used in anger so it still might have a few surprises up it's sleeve yet.

It's nice to keep it a bit retro but the new console isn't exactly "period" but hey ho.

MKII_CGT · 03 June 2012, 14:11

Did the original look something like this?

Not too far off...

A1an · 03 June 2012, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKII_CGT

Did the original look something like this?

Not too far off...

Unfortunately not, it's was a wrap around dash with the forward spray deck.

A1an · 06 June 2012, 20:53

Today was a GOOD day!!

All finished apart from a bit of cable spiral banding, we managed to get everything inside the console so there is plenty deck space. Battery and breakers up front....

Back rest on, cushion to be sorted and covered...

Rubber matting to stop the tanks from sliding about...

Gauges in, we installed a kill switch as there isnt one for this engine...

A1an · 06 June 2012, 21:01

A couple more...

MKII_CGT · 07 June 2012, 00:21

Nice progresss, are they fuel tanks under the seat?

A1an · 07 June 2012, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKII_CGT

Nice progresss, are they fuel tanks under the seat?

Yep, 2 Barrus tanks, gave them a quick once over and replaced the fuel connectors for new ones.

Fingers crossed we haven't ruined the balance of the boat, what with the console, battery, 10 gallons of fuel and driver it's a fair bit of weight in the middle of the boat.

MKII_CGT · 07 June 2012, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Yep, 2 Barrus tanks, gave them a quick once over and replaced the fuel connectors for new ones.

Fingers crossed we haven't ruined the balance of the boat, what with the console, battery, 10 gallons of fuel and driver it's a fair bit of weight in the middle of the boat.

How did you decide where to place the majority of the weight? I know it would be a right PITA but if need be once she's on the water and you have done some test runs you could shift the lot slightly forward or back. Hopefully it's bang on!

A1an · 07 June 2012, 21:41

Today was a BAD day!!

Well..... Popped the boat in the water tonight, (no pics, to excited to get her moving!) she fired up and pootled about just fine, we gave her a chance to warm up before giving it a little juice.... bloody hell it shift when you do, Ive never been into RIB's and never had a bigger HP engine.

It was up on the plane in a flash and with every nudge of throttle it lept forward but Im afraid thats as far as she went! We lost drive and the engine screamed... stripped crankshaft.

To say we are gutted is an understatement, 3 months of work have gone in to this project and for the engine to fail because of something we had no control over is gutting! The engine itself runs beautiful and the last thing you expect is stripped splines, anyway that has sealed the fate of that engine and itl be gracing the pages of ebay before long.

So ... who wants to sell me a four stroke?

kerny · 07 June 2012, 21:53

Gutted for you mate you have done a great job with the rib as well

Pikey Dave · 07 June 2012, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Today was a BAD day!!

Well..... Popped the boat in the water tonight, (no pics, to excited to get her moving!) she fired up and pootled about just fine, we gave her a chance to warm up before giving it a little juice.... bloody hell it shift when you do, Ive never been into RIB's and never had a bigger HP engine.

It was up on the plane in a flash and with every nudge of throttle it lept forward but Im afraid thats as far as she went! We lost drive and the engine screamed... stripped crankshaft.

To say we are gutted is an understatement, 3 months of work have gone in to this project and for the engine to fail because of something we had no control over is gutting! The engine itself runs beautiful and the last thing you expect is stripped splines, anyway that has sealed the fate of that engine and itl be gracing the pages of ebay before long.

So ... who wants to sell me a four stroke?

Are you 100% sure it's the crankshaft? not the prop hub? you can live in hope

MKII_CGT · 07 June 2012, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Today was a BAD day!!

Well..... Popped the boat in the water tonight, (no pics, to excited to get her moving!) she fired up and pootled about just fine, we gave her a chance to warm up before giving it a little juice.... bloody hell it shift when you do, Ive never been into RIB's and never had a bigger HP engine.

It was up on the plane in a flash and with every nudge of throttle it lept forward but Im afraid thats as far as she went! We lost drive and the engine screamed... stripped crankshaft.

To say we are gutted is an understatement, 3 months of work have gone in to this project and for the engine to fail because of something we had no control over is gutting! The engine itself runs beautiful and the last thing you expect is stripped splines, anyway that has sealed the fate of that engine and itl be gracing the pages of ebay before long.

So ... who wants to sell me a four stroke?

No good mate! A minor set back in the good work you have done restoring the boat. Time to repower with something not so old.

What will you get?

A1an · 07 June 2012, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

Gutted for you mate you have done a great job with the rib as well

Cheers bud, Im sitting here with a G&T plotting the next move

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Are you 100% sure it's the crankshaft? not the prop hub? you can live in hope

Yep, definately the splines, we dropped the gearbox when we got back and shone a torch up the leg and its a goner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKII_CGT

No good mate! A minor set back in the good work you have done restoring the boat. Time to repower with something not so old.

What will you get?

Mmm dunno, probably 4 stroke if the budget will stretch.